Massachusetts Car Registration

Registering your car can be a challenging endeavor, but dealing with registration doesn't have to be complicated. We've collected helpful information that will save you some time, and we offer links to resources that will get you going in the right direction. Select from the options below to get started.

1: Online Easy Guide and checklist download

2: By mail, if eligible (read below for instructions)

3: In person at a local RMV office

 

 

New Massachusetts car registration

If you have purchased your vehicle through a dealership then they will perform all necessary registration tasks, but if you have just bought or been gifted a car any other way, or become an official resident, you are expected to register your vehicle as soon as possible. For a list of all RMV offices and their phone numbers make sure to visit www.massdot.state.ma.us/rmv/main/BranchInfo/Map.aspx.

Visit car-registration.org for a step-by-step guide to obtaining a new Massachusetts car registration.

Renewing your Massachusetts vehicle registration

Renewing your registration is an easy process in Massachusetts, as you are given option of renewing in person, online, by phone, or via mail.

Massachusetts allows some drivers to renew their registration online, provided that they meet the certain state requirements. In order to register online, visit www.secure.rmv.state.ma.us/RegRenew/intro.aspx and follow the instructions given. You will receive an email within three days stating if the process was successful or not. 

To renew your Massachusetts vehicle registration in person visit www.massdot.state.ma.us/rmv/main/BranchInfo/Map.aspx for a list of RMV offices in the state of Massachusetts. You will also be required to present payment for the required fees, your license plate number and proof of insurance.

You are only eligible to renew by mail if you do not have any unpaid tickets or outstanding obligations with the RMV. To renew by mail, complete the RMV-2 or RMV-3 form, have your agent sign and stamp it, complete an emissions statement (if applicable), enclose a check or money order for the required fees, and mail the entire packet to the address given on the application.

Finally, if you wish to register by phone, you must have already completed an emission inspection (if applicable), have a renewal card that states “Insurance Stamp Not Needed Active Policy on File”, and have a credit card to pay required fees. Once you’ve completed all the prerequisites, call the RMV hotline. Check www.mass.gov/rmv/info/phone.htm to decide which number you should call. They are open Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm.

Replacing Your Massachusetts Car Registration

Losing your registration can be a pain, but if you live in Massachusetts it is easily fixable. You can apply for a duplicate registration (for a fee of $25) in person at any RMV office, online, or by phone. 

To replace your registration online you will need to visit www.secure.rmv.state.ma.us/DupReg/Intro.aspx. Make sure to have available your driver’s license number, license plate number, type of tag and credit card number before you begin.

If you would rather renew your Massachusetts car registration by phone, call the Massachusetts RMV Telephone Center (list of numbers available at http://www.mass.gov/rmv/info/phone.htm) and be prepared to provide the same information required for the online process.

If you do not have access to a computer or phone, you can head into your local RMV office to apply for a duplicate Massachusetts vehicle registration certificate. You will be asked to provide your driver’s license number, license plate number, type of tag and cash, check, or money order to pay the $25 fee. For a list of RMV offices, visit www.massdot.state.ma.us/rmv/main/BranchInfo/Map.aspx.

Changing Your Address

In Massachusetts, changing the address on your vehicle’s registration can be done either online, in person, or by mail.